A Deer Hunter's Prayer

Lord, help me to honor you this day as I walk through your creation. My spirit leaps like a deer because of what you have done! Lord, where could I flee from your presence? You watch when the doe bears her fawn. Help me to desire you above all else. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. O Sovereign Lord, you are my strength. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. You enable me to go to higher places. O Lord, how great you are! (authors - Les Stroklund and Tom Rakow)

Unity

What is essential to salvation? Can you identify the core beliefs that are essential to unity? Paul discusses the attitude and the foundation of unity in Ephesians 4.2-6. First, he describes the attitude of unity: 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Notice, we don’t create unity, we keep it. God makes us one and we maintain unity by adopting the attitudes of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Second, Paul explains the foundation of unity. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. For me, the seven ones of Ephesians 4 is the foundation of Christian unity. Christians may believe differently about disputable matters but if they have the same Father, if Jesus is their Lord, if the Holy Spirit lives in them, they are in the family of God and I am obligated to adopt a Christ-like attitude and maintain unity.

Dads and Daughters

When Billy Crystal’s daughter turned eleven, he was in New York filming a movie. He called her long-distance and apologized for his heavy work schedule. He promised that a big package would be delivered to her soon. Later that day he flew from New York to Los Angeles. When his daughter, Lindsey, opened the door, a six-foot high carton greeted her. She began ripping it open on the spot and discovered that dad was inside the carton. Billy says, “She hugged me for five minutes. It was unbelievable!” He went on to say, “I missed twenty-five birthdays with my dad. I’m not going to let that happen with my girls.” Billy Crystal was fifteen when his father died of a heart attack. Billy’s father couldn’t be with him for 25 years because he died. But what is even more tragic is when a father could be there but isn’t.

Jesus on every page

The Bible is a book about Jesus. You can see Jesus in every book of the Bible. Genesis: The Seed of the Woman Exodus: The Passover Lamb Leviticus: The High Priest Numbers: The Cloud and The Fire Deuteronomy: The Prophet Like Moses Joshua: The Captain of Our Salvation Judges: The Judge And Lawgiver Ruth: The Kinsman Redeemer 1 & 2 Samuel: The Prophet of The Lord 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles: The Reigning King Ezra: The Faithful Scribe Nehemiah: The Rebuilder of The Broken Walls Esther: Mordecai Job: The Dayspring From on High Psalms: The Lord Who Is Our Shepherd Proverbs & Ecclesiastes: The Wisdom of God The Song of Solomon: The Lover & Bridegroom Isaiah: The Prince of Peace Jeremiah & Lamentations: The Weeping Prophet Ezekiel: The Wheel Turning Daniel: The 4th Man in The Fiery Furnace Hosea: The Bridegroom Joel: The Baptizer with the Holy Spirit Amos: The Burden Bearer Obadiah: The Mighty Savior Jonah: The Forgiving God Micah: The Messenger With Beautiful Feet Nahum: The Avenger of God's Elect Habakkuk: The Great Evangelist, Crying For Revival Zephaniah: The Restorer of God's Lost Heritage Haggai: The Cleansing Fountain Zechariah: The Pierced Son Malachi: The Son of Righteousness Matthew: The Messiah Mark: The Wonder Worker Luke: The Son of Man John: The Son of God Acts: The Ascended Lord Romans: The Justifier 1 & 2 Corinthians: The Gifts of The Spirit Galatians: The One Who Sets Us Free Ephesians: The Christ of Riches Philippians: The God Who Meets Our Every Need Colossians: The Fullness of The Godhead 1 & 2 Thessalonians: The Soon Coming King 1 & 2 Timothy: The Mediator Between God And Man Titus: The Faithful Pastor Philemon: The Friend, Closer Than a Brother Hebrews: The Blood That Washes Away My Sins James: The Great Physician 1 & 2 Peter: The Chief Shepherd 1 & 2 & 3 John: Everlasting Love Jude: The Lord coming with 10,000 Saints Revelation: The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

Buck Lure

Hunters use different calling techniques to lure unsuspecting deer within shooting range. They use buck lure, rattle bags, grunt tubes, deer bleat calls and a variety of other techniques to draw bucks near their tree stand. A long time ago Solomon looked out the window of his palace and notice a young man who was lured into sin with a woman. She used different techniques to allure him (see if you can spot them in the text). He was like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierced his liver, little knowing that it would cost him his life. Proverbs 7.6-27 6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 "I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon." 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. This is a frightening reminder of how easy it is to be lured into sin. As thoughtless and careless as a buck in rut. Lord, Protect me. Keep me from this sin. Lead me away from temptation. If I fall, it would ruin everything and I will have to start all over again. Keep me on the right path. Help me to be alert and always on guard. Move me to live a holy life, to be faithful to my wife and children, and most of all – to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12.1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. Do you know what spiritual gifts are? There is not a single passage that list all the spiritual gifts. There are many relevant passages that list many different gifts. But even when we put them together I don’t believe we have an exhaustive list. God may give other spiritual gifts that are not mentioned. But here is a list of spiritual gifts that I have found in the Bible. The gift of … 1. Administration 1 Cor. 12:28 2. Apostle Eph. 4:11; 1 Cor. 12:28 3. Celibacy 1 Cor. 7:7, 8 4. Craftsmanship Exodus 31.1-5 5. Discernment 1 Cor. 12:10 6. Evangelism Eph. 4:11 7. Exhortation Rom. 12:8 8. Faith 1 Cor. 12:8-10 9. Giving Rom. 12:8 10. Healing 1 Cor. 12:9,28,30 11. Helps 1 Cor. 12:28 12. Hospitality 1 Pet. 4:9,10 13. Knowledge 1 Cor. 12:8 14. Leadership Rom. 12:8 15. Mercy Rom. 12:8 16. Miracles 1 Cor. 12:10, 28 17. Missionary Eph. 3:6-8 18. Music 1 Corinthians 14.26 19. Pastor-teacher Eph. 4:11 20. Prophecy Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:10; Eph. 4:11 21. Service Rom. 12:7 22. Teaching Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11 23. Tongues 1 Cor. 12:10; 14:27-28 24. Interpretation of tongues 1 Cor. 12:10; 14:27,28 25. Wisdom 1 Cor. 12:8 I found 25 gifts in the Bible. There may be more – if you find more share them with me. It helps me to look at this list and pray "Lord, help me to know my gifts. Help me identify my talents and develop them." You cannot develop them if you don't know what they are. God doesn't want us to neglect our gifts and talents. He wants us to know what they are and use them.

Pickin’ and Grinning at Fairland Middle School

Friday I will be playing my guitar for three classes at Fairland Middle School. I’m going to mix it up with country, rock, and contemporary Christian.

Speaking at Richland Hills (Nov 16)

I will be speaking at Richland Hills in Fort Worth Texas on Wednesday evening November 16. I have admired Rick Atchley for a long time. Richland Hills is a great church. I thank God for this open door. Rick invited me to tell my story. He's doing a series of sermons called "Extreme Makeover" and I am going to talk about The Benifits of Getting Caught. Father, Thank you for opening up this door. Please help me. Speak through me. I pray that you will be glorified when I tell people how you saved me from my sin. Thank you for forgiving me and using me. I will sing of your love forever. You are awesome! In Jesus Name. Amen!

Watching My Girls Play Volleyball and Basketball

I love watching Amber play volleyball for the Middle School Team. She had a great game tonight. They won. Even more, she played great! It will not be long before Tori, Shayna and Amber will be playing basketball again. Basketball season is just around the corner. Mom, Dad (that’s me), Jeanie, Allen, Grandma, and their classmates will be in the bleachers cheering them on. I get a little nervous when my girls are on the court. I want them to do well. I feel myself move when the ball comes their way. It’s as if I am helping them hit the ball or make the shot. But all I can really do is cheer and smile. If they are not satisfied with a particular play I encourage them to forget it. I teach them to mentally rehearse all the good plays that they made. And when the game is over I give them a great big hug and kiss and take them home. I love them so much. This must be how our heavenly Father feels about us. He wants us to do well but our performance “on the court” has nothing to do with our position in His family. When we do well heaven applauds. When we mess up we are forgiven. God doesn’t want us to mentally rehearse our failures. He wants us to fill our minds with things that are true and right and excellent and praiseworthy so we can have peace. And when the game of life is over he will take us home. He loves us so much.

Married at an Early Urge

I like this poem by Richard Dobbins. It makes people smile. It's called ... “Married at an Early Urge”. Nice night in June, stars shine, big moon In park with girl, heart pound, head swirl Me say love, she coo like dove Me smart, me fast, me never let chance pass Get hitched, me say, she say okay Wedding bells ring ring, honeymoon, everything Settle down, married life, happy man, happy wife. Another night in June, stars shine, big moon Ain’t happy no more Carry baby, walk floor Wife mad, she stew, me mad, stew too Life one big spat, nagging wife and bawlin' brat I realize at last, me move too fast.

Planning for my 25 Year High School Reunion

James 4.14b What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This Saturday I will be meeting with my friends from Scott High School in Madison WV to plan for our 25 year High School Reunion. I am excited to see my friends. But my, time passes so fast - 24 years have past so fast. I am 42 years old now but I remember my high school days like they were yesterday. Playing football, playing in the "Little Coal River Band", hanging out with my friends - I have so many good memories. I met with Darrell and Jimmy at Wendy's a few weeks ago and it was like were never apart. The trust and joy seemed just as real as it was when we were teenagers. We laughed and talked about old times. We caught up with each other's life. I told them my story and they told me their stories. We didn't want to leave. Time passes so fast. I remember thinking 42 was "old". I don't think that anymore. I feel like the same person I was when I was a teenager - you know, I have the same personality. I certainly don't do the things I used to do (drinking) but "I" feel the same inside. I don't feel any different at all. I feel like I'm 17 but my body looks different. I used to ripple but now I jiggle. Tomorrow Bobby and I are going to play some music before the meeting. I look forward to seeing all my friends. Life is short but it sure is good.

Speaking at the Zoe Conference in Nashville

I've been invited to speak at the Look to the Hills Conference at Woodmont in Nashville TN. I thank God for this opportunity. I am also thankful for Greg Taylor and Eric-Noah Wilson who invited me to tell my story. My sobreity date is October 19, 2002. That is the day I caused an automobile accident that changed my life. Fortunately, no one was physically injured but me. I was broken by my own sin. My sin was great but God's grace is greater. Jesus turned my life around. I was treated for alcoholism at Mary Haven, joined AA, got me a sponsor, read the big book, prayed the prayers, and worked the steps one by one. I continue to work with my sponsor and go to AA. I will be sober three years next month and I am so grateful. I was saved by grace. God snatched me from the flames. I'm going to be teaching what churches can do for prodigals like me. I pray that I will do a good job speaking.

Pray for the angels

Hebrews 1.14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Matthew 18.10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" Every night I pray for angels to surround my children's bed. Here's the routine - I cover them up (the softest blanket goes on first), we giggle, snuggle, and talk about their day. Then I pray. I start with praise and thanksgiving. I ask for forgiveness. I tell God how much I love them (Amber, Tori, and Shayna) and how special and good they are (I squeeze them tighter during this part). I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill them with peace, give them rest, and sweet dreams. Then I pray for God to send angels to stand guard by their beds and go with them throughout tomorrow. If I forget to pray for the angels my children will say "Daddy, pray for the angels." And I do. I've never seen an angel (that I know of) but I know they visit my house every night and guard my children every day. When I get to heaven I want to meet and personally thank the angels who are watching over my children.

My new hermeneutic is called S.P.A.C.E. P.E.T.S.

I have adopted a new hermeneutic called S.P.A.C.E. P.E.T.S. I picked it up from Warren's 301 class. He didn't propose it as a new hermeneutic but it's better than the one I have been using (i.e., command, example, inference). Today, when I read the Bible asked nine S.P.A.C.E. P.E.T.S. questions. I ask - "Is there a(n) ..." Sin to confess? Promise to claim? Attitude to adopt? Command to obey? Example to follow? Prayer to pray? Error to correct? Truth to accept? Something to do? This one is working better for me than the old one. Try it out and see if it works for you. Select a chapter from the Bible, read it two times and ask these nine questions. It is simple enough to remember. It is broad enough to cover any genre of Scripture (e.g., poetry, history, parables, metaphors, allegories, sermons, apocalyptic and wisdom literature, letters of correspondence, as well as the law sections of the Bible). It is personal enough to help me know Jesus better - it's like I'm asking the Holy Spirit nine questions (and typically more questions follow). S.P.A.C.E. P.E.T.S. is my new hermeneutic.

Try this and you'll feel better

The next time you are standing in the check out line at the grocery store asked the person working at the cash registor this question - "What is your favorite candy bar?" Then buy it. After your groceries are bagged find the candy bar and hand it to them and say "I just want to remind you that Jesus loves you." They will light up and so will you.

Why animals run from you

Do you know why animals run from you? Because God caused to fear you. That's right. Genesis 9.1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. 2 The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. 3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. 4 "But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. 5 And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. 6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man. After the flood God caused the animals to "fear and dread" you. When I walk across a field deer run. When you approach squirrels at the park they retreat to trees. Even my own dog, Recee, runs from me. God set you above every living creature. You can kill and eat animals but they can't eat you. Well, I suppose they can but they will answer to God. If an animal attacks and kills you God will hold the animal accountable. That's wild!